Gas Stains on Transmission

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 6:35 pm

Can't find anything by SEARCHING, so I'm posting a new topic for some feedback.

I had a GAS leak on my R1150RA, which resulted in yellow/brown stains on the transmission case. Pretty ugly. The 'dealer' says nothing will take it off, and I've tried any number of cleaners etc. He said lightly mist it with a close color of paint, but somehow I'm not happy with that remedy.

The question: How do you remove the stains short of repainting the case?

BTW: the gas leak was covered under the RECALL, so I'm a bit unhappy my pristine bike now has stains caused by a factory error. Anyone get BMW to do anything about the staining issue?

Post by **iowabeakster** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:43 pm

your stains are not uncommon. i cant recall anybody that found a way to remove them.

your best bet is to approach the dealership with a warranty claim.

if your dealer is worth their weight in spit, they will insist that BMW cover the cost of replacement under warranty. how well they lobby on your behalf may determine whether you should continue to do business with them.

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:36 pm

Hey PhastPhil, thanks for the post and sorry to hear about the stains on your bike. I'm also sorry that I haven't heard of anyone being able to remove them. If you find a way, be sure to let us all know!

Post by **Boxer** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:01 am

There was a simple fix for this a while back but in Ronald Reagan's infamous words, I just can't remember what it was.

It was something like Windex or...I dunno...maybe the person who discovered it will pipe in here.

NHighCotton · Post by **NHighCotton** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:52 am

Boxer wrote:There was a simple fix for this a while back but in Ronald Reagan's infamous words, I just can't remember what it was.

It was something like Windex or...I dunno...maybe the person who discovered it will pipe in here.

Oven cleaner???

Not sure, I think that was for the exhaust pipes

....Reagan moments are hell.

single650 · Post by **single650** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:56 am

Do NOT use oven cleaner on aluminium alloys, you'll ruin them.

gel9001 · Post by **gel9001** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 11:23 am

I don't think its cool to make fun of Alzheimers. I'm 41 and find myself forgetting sh*t, its scaring the f**k out of me.

Why are more people coming down with Alzheimers these days?

Gene

Post by **Dauntless** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 1:22 pm

I was able to remove my stains with Dawn dishwashing soap. I discovered my leak fairly early so the stain never set for more than a week. I just put it on full strength and scrubbed it off with a rag and used a tooth brush in the hard to reach spots. Maybe that Dawn foam will work on tougher stains. YMMV.

Post by **Boxer** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:14 pm

Ooo! Now I remember! It was Dawn dishwashing detergent!

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:16 pm

Dauntless and Boxer:
Thanks for the tip - I'll give DAWN a shot - can't hurt. Unfortunately my stain has been there for a few months. Seems rather strange that you build such a great bike and use a paint that is easily damaged by of all things - GAS. Wow who would of thought you would have gas around a gas fueled bike and OH is that the gas tank right above it? Stupid, Stupid Stupid. Oh did I say it was Stupid.

Phil

munchmeister · Post by **munchmeister** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 2:20 pm

gel9001 wrote:I don't think its cool to make fun of Alzheimers. I'm 41 and find myself forgetting sh*t, its scaring the f**k out of me.

Why are more people coming down with Alzheimers these days?

Gene

Post by **TicTac50** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:14 pm

I used Easy Off.

Spray and let it sit for 1 min.
Stain is gone and I don't see any damage to the paint

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:19 pm

Tic Tac 50
Thanks, I'll try that after the DAWN. DAWN would appear to be less volatile - Easy Off might work OK - just concerned about the interaction with the aluminum?

Phil

NHighCotton · Post by **NHighCotton** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:23 pm

might also try gas or kerosene,

makes sense that new gas might loosen old gas then go back over it with DAWN.

scrub and a wash, scrub and wash....makes for a good thread on what tools are used to clean those hard to get to spots????

hint.

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:29 pm

BTW: Just talked with the Easy Off folks - they don't recommend the oven cleaner on aluminum - which I assume the transmission case is made of?

So far the DAWN sounds like the most non-volatile solution.

Phil

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 5:32 pm

OK, so we are talking about stains - I stained my driveway using a Silicone based Tire Dressing. I just had it pressure washed - no help. Looks as bad as it was. Just back from Home Depot - bought some Concrete Cleaner - will see if that helps, but wondering if there were any other suggestions?

Post by **redr1150r** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 8:50 pm

Had the same problem with a gas leak on my beakster. Went to my local dealer (HAP"S in Sarasota). They contacted BMW and were told to replace my gear box under warrenty. BMW picked up the tab with no charge to me.

phastphil · Post by **phastphil** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 8:22 am

redr1150r
Wondering when did you have that done? Was your bike one of the recalled for the gas leak as well?

Post by **zooomart** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 8:28 am

Try some goo-gone. I have had good luck with it on the road grime and seems to not harm paint. I wouldn't be thrilled in having to break in a new gearbox, hope you get the stains out.

DK · Post by DK » Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:52 pm

I went thru this same ordeal this past summer. I tried Goo Gone, Goof Off, Dawn, and every other cleaner. I thought I had gotten them out but a few days later I noticed them more.

I spoke to Kent Holt at Holt BMW in Athens, OH about it because he does a lot of painting. He said the UV in sunlight seems to cause the stains to get darker. He also said you have about 5-10 minutes to get the gas off before it stains. Bottom line is the only way to fix it is to repaint. He also said this has been a problem with clear coat and paint that BMW uses on the engine and he doesn't know why they use it

Dwayne

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